Myths about the Middle Ages

Medieval Engineering, War Technology, and Manuscript Illuminations in the Case of Conrad Kyeser’s Bellifortis

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Dr. Classen Early Book Series 2023

When

4 – 6 p.m., April 4, 2023

Where

The Early Books Lecture Series was established at the University of Arizona by Dr. Albrecht Classen, University Distinguished Professor of German Studies, nearly 20 years ago. 

Myths about the Middle Ages: Medieval Engineering, War Technology, and Manuscript Illuminations in the Case of Conrad Kyeser’s Bellifortis  is the first lecture in this year's Early Books Lecture Series XVIII.

Register today!

What do we really know about the Middle Ages and its technological accomplishments? 

Cathedrals and castles were built, and there was a lot of machinery for sieges, building, and crafting. Conrad Kyeser’s Bellifortis (1405) offers unique insights into the sophistication and skills of medieval craftsmen, engineers, and builders, who were much more advanced than most of us today can imagine.

This lecture promises to bust numerous myths about the Middle Ages and hopes to be a true eye-opener.  

Registration 

  • Free and open to the public
  • Registration is required to attend in-person or via Zoom
  • Contact Lori Strazza Brown for questions or requests regarding disability-related accommodations

About the presenter
Dr. Albrecht Classen, University Distinguished Professor of German Studies in the College of Humanities, focuses on the German and European Middle Ages and early modern age. 

He has published more than 122 scholarly books, 750 articles, 50 entries in encyclopedias and lexica, and 2,800 book reviews. In addition to serving as the editor of the book series, Fundamentals of Medieval and Early Modern Studies, and the editor of the journals Mediaevistik and Humanities Open Access, Classen serves on the editorial board of numerous scholarly journals, and is a board member of the Executive Committee of the Arizona Humanities. 

In 2017, Dr. Classen was honored with German knighhood and received the rank of Grand Knight Commander of the Most Noble Order of the Three Lions. In 2004, the German government awarded him with its highest honor, the Cross of Merit. 

 
 

Contacts

Dr. Albrecht Classen, Distinguished Professor, German Studies, College of Humanities